As the New England Patriots gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes are on running back Rhamondre Stevenson—and the early projections suggest he's poised for a bounce-back year. After sharing the backfield with rookie standout TreVeyon Henderson in 2025, Stevenson saw his carries drop from 207 in 2024 to 130 last season. But don't let the reduced workload fool you: he made every touch count.

Stevenson's efficiency soared in 2025. He matched his seven-touchdown total from the previous year while boosting his yards per carry from 3.9 to an impressive 4.6. Perhaps most notably, his role as a pass-catcher expanded significantly, with receiving yards jumping from 168 to 345—a clear sign that the Patriots are finding new ways to leverage his versatility.

According to ESPN's Mike Clay's 2026 NFL Projection Guide, Stevenson is forecasted to receive 176 carries for 751 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. While Henderson (projected at 202 carries) is still expected to lead the backfield in touches, Stevenson remains the primary red-zone threat, matching his touchdown output from the past two seasons. That consistency as a scorer is exactly what New England needs as they aim for another deep playoff run.

The Patriots' ground game is shaping up to be a balanced, two-headed attack in 2026—and Stevenson is a key piece of that puzzle. Whether he's powering through defenders between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, he's primed to help New England chase another Vince Lombardi Trophy. For fans stocking up on Patriots gear, Stevenson's projected resurgence makes him a player to watch—and a jersey worth adding to your collection.